Giving Up - or saying I have had enough... when can you say that?

I’d like to talk with Dad about quitting.  

My Dad and I shared a “take my toys and go home” energy.  It’s not the best way to walk through life but it aligns with my righteous energy. 

Dad was a quick maker of decisions. He fell in love with my mom quickly. He made career decisions and picked cars immediately. I think back on many decisions I watched him make and am fairly certain he made a decision and rationalized it after the fact. 

So when I watched the Red Violin I failed to remember all of this and all I thought was that my father was a lover of folk music and a thespian. So I said “ Dad you must watch this glorious movie - The Red Violin."   Two weeks later he said to me “ why would you tell me to watch that snuff film?” I was startled and asked a few questions. Perhaps you have the same ones in your head. Here are the answers: 

1. No Dad had not mistakenly rented a movie from the store with paper-covered windows next to the bowling alley on Route 40; 
2. Dad had in fact, rented the correct Red Violin; 
3. Dad thought it opened up gloriously, and 
4. Dad liked the little boy who was fond of the Violin. 

And here is where things went off the rails......... 

At one point, the child (picture on right) is I think in an orphanage and receives the Red Violin. He is quickly revealed as a prodigal talent and builds a deep connection with the instrument; he finds it comforting and is never without it. 

A music teacher sees him play and is impressed; he notes, however, that the Red Violin is for an adult and is therefore too big for the child. He removes the instrument from the child's hands, and the child has a panic attack/ asthma attack and dies. 

At this point, Dad turned off the movie.  And despite my suggestions and those of my Uncle Dale, he NEVER watched it again. Both of us really tried; the fact that Dale remembered the movie at all is frankly a strong indicator of how good it is.  But Dad had decided. 

So, as I approach my 58th year on this planet, I am beginning to feel a pull to do something different. Realizing I have - not unlimited time ahead of me- and considering how my time is spent - 

I would like to know what Dad would think of the current Administration and how it's decisions and direction impact my professional days. 

I would like to know how Dad managed not really liking his work; I think he had a strong work ethic and did enjoy many of his professional friends, but I do not think he liked his job. 

I would want to hear from Dad how he knew it was time to retire.